# IDS

/ˈaɪˈdiz/ (US) · /ˈaɪdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ids
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. plural of identification

noun · CEFR B1

more than one ID or piece of identification.

For teachers: the plural form of the abbreviation 'ID', referring to multiple documents or methods of identification.

- The security guard checked everyone's IDs before letting them into the building.
- The registrar requested that all international students present their original IDs and passports for verification during the orientation session.

Usage: Usually written with a lowercase 's' even when the abbreviation is capitalized.

### 2. computer security

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Intrusion Detection System. A program that watches a computer network for signs of hackers or attacks.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Intrusion Detection System. A software application or device that monitors network traffic for malicious activity or policy violations.

- The company's IDS sent an alert when it noticed someone trying to guess passwords.
- Implementing a robust IDS allowed the cybersecurity team to identify and neutralize the breach before any sensitive data was exfiltrated.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the'.

### 3. talking to babies

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

Stands for Infant-Directed Speech. The special way adults speak to babies, often using a higher voice and simple words.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Infant-Directed Speech. A speech register characterized by exaggerated intonation, high pitch, and simplified syntax used by adults when addressing infants.

- Researchers study how IDS helps babies learn the sounds of their language.
- The study suggests that the melodic contours of IDS are cross-culturally consistent and play a vital role in infant emotional regulation.

### 4. psychology

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

the plural of 'id', which is the part of your mind related to basic desires and instincts.

For teachers: the plural form of 'id', referring to the primitive and instinctive components of the personality in Freudian psychoanalytic theory.

- The professor explained how our ids can conflict with our sense of right and wrong.
- In his lecture, the psychologist discussed how competing ids within a group dynamic can lead to unpredictable social behavior.

## Examples

- The company installed an IDS to protect its private data.
- After the recent data breach, the IT department upgraded their IDS to detect more sophisticated hacking attempts in real time.
- While a firewall acts as a gatekeeper, an IDS serves as a secondary layer of defense by identifying internal anomalies that suggest a perimeter breach has already occurred.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.